Disgaea 7 Complete Is a Switch 2 Exclusive in the West—And That’s Stirring Debate

In what might be welcome news for some and a bitter pill for others, NIS America has officially announced the Western release of Disgaea 7 Complete. The catch? It will launch exclusively on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 this fall, with no upgrade path, no downloadable content (DLC), and no patch for those who already own the original Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless on Switch, PlayStation, or PC.

While this decision aligns with a larger push to spotlight Nintendo’s next-gen console, it’s also creating significant backlash among fans who feel left behind.

A Tale of Two Markets: Japan vs. the West

In Japan, Disgaea 7 Complete was handled quite differently. Nippon Ichi Software (NIS) released the enhanced version in July 2024 on Switch, PS4, and PS5. There, players who already owned the base game were offered the upgraded gameplay systems—like rebalanced mechanics and new quality-of-life improvements—completely free of charge.

Additionally, Japanese players could access the new content—such as bonus characters and story arcs—for a modest fee, priced at just ¥550 (around $3.60 USD). This approach was widely praised as consumer-friendly and respectful of the franchise’s loyal player base.

In contrast, the Western rollout removes this flexibility altogether. NIS America has made it clear that Disgaea 7 Complete is not an upgrade but a full re-release, available only on Switch 2, and that no such patch or standalone DLC will be made available for previous versions. That means even long-time fans who already paid full price for the base game and possibly some DLC are now being asked to pay again—this time at premium next-gen prices.

What’s Inside the “Complete” Package?

Despite the frustration around platform limitations, Disgaea 7 Complete is indeed packed with content.

This edition includes:

  • The full base game (Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless),

  • All previously released DLCs, including extra characters and side stories,

  • A new post-game scenario set in the Netherworld, where the fan-favorite character Asagi becomes playable,

  • Enhanced game mechanics, such as uncapped stat progression,

  • Access to Infernal-class weapons from the start,

  • And a challenging new boss fight: Rakshasa Baal, known for pushing even the most seasoned Disgaea veterans to their limits.

These features aim to offer a definitive version of the game, especially for newcomers or collectors seeking a complete experience.

The Hardware Strategy Behind the Decision

From a business standpoint, releasing Disgaea 7 Complete exclusively on Switch 2 makes sense. Nintendo’s upcoming console is expected to be a major holiday release, and exclusives help drive early hardware adoption.

NIS America appears to be strategically timing this edition to align with Switch 2’s Western debut. By tying a beloved franchise like Disgaea to the new hardware, the publisher ensures a boost in both software and console sales.

There’s also the marketing angle—Disgaea 7 Complete is available in two versions:

  • A standard edition, sold both digitally and via physical “game-key” cards,

  • And a limited “Ewwdo Edition”, priced at $99.99, which includes collector’s merchandise like a figurine, an art book, and a themed folding fan.

This collector’s edition appeals directly to long-term fans and helps boost revenue, especially in the absence of DLC microtransactions.

But at What Cost? Fan Reactions and Community Discontent

Despite the publisher’s justifications, the backlash was swift.

Long-time fans have taken to forums and communities across the internet to voice their discontent. The core complaint? Many feel this strategy punishes those who supported the game at launch by offering no viable upgrade or add-on content path. The perception is that loyalty is being traded for profit.

One player commented:

“We supported Disgaea 7 from day one. Now we’re being told that to get the full game, we have to buy it all over again—on a console that isn’t even out yet? That’s not fair.”

Another post put it bluntly:

“In Japan, players get upgrades for free or cheap. Here, we’re just told to shell out another 60 to 100 bucks. That’s not just disappointing—it’s disrespectful.”

It’s not all negative, though. Some players understand the move as a practical one—Switch 2 will offer better performance, and bundling the complete experience allows new players to jump in without worrying about missing content.

Who Gains and Who Loses?

Winners:

  • Newcomers: Anyone buying Disgaea 7 for the first time gets the most complete and polished version available.

  • Switch 2 adopters: The game serves as a solid RPG launch title for the new console.

  • Collectors: With the Ewwdo Edition offering rare merchandise, there’s value for hardcore fans.

Losers:

  • Existing Switch/PS4/PS5/PC players: These players receive no upgrade, no patch, and no DLC option—despite already owning most of the content.

  • Those not planning to buy Switch 2: Without a backward-compatible version or port to other platforms, there’s simply no way to experience the new content.

Release Timeline and Availability

NIS America has only revealed a Fall 2025 release window for Disgaea 7 Complete. No specific release date has been given yet. Both the standard and collector’s editions will be distributed using Nintendo’s newer “game-key” cards—a shift away from traditional physical cartridges.

Final Thoughts

Disgaea 7 Complete is shaping up to be a robust and content-rich entry in the long-running strategy RPG series. Its exclusive debut on Switch 2 positions it as a major launch title and potentially a system-seller for fans of deep, turn-based tactical combat.

However, the lack of an upgrade path for current owners, combined with the decision to withhold DLC options, places a noticeable blemish on what should be a moment of celebration for the franchise. For new players, the Complete edition offers everything they could ask for. But for existing fans, the message is clear: if you want the full experience, you’ll have to buy it all over again.